U-400: The Mystery and Discovery of a Lost U-boat
The story of U-400 is a compelling example of how historical records can be corrected through modern naval archaeology. For decades, the fate of this German submarine remained a subject of uncertainty, with conflicting reports regarding where and how it was lost during the closing stages of World War II.
Service History and Disappearance
U-400 began its operational life with training under the 5th U-boat Flotilla. On November 1, 1944, the vessel was attached to the 11th U-boat Flotilla for active front-line service. Its first war patrol commenced on November 15, 1944, departing from the Horten Naval Base in Norway with orders to head toward the waters off Land's End.
Once the submarine reached its operational area, communication ceased. Despite repeated requests for reports from the German U-boat Command, the vessel remained silent. By the end of January 1945, U-400 was officially listed as missing.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Conflicting Accounts of the Sinking
For years after the war, the Allies believed that U-400 had been destroyed by a depth charge attack—explosive devices dropped from ships to destroy submarines—carried out by the frigate HMS Nyasaland. This event was thought to have occurred on December 17, 1944, approximately 30 nautical miles (56 km) southeast of Kinsale, Ireland.
However, other records suggested a different fate, noting that the submarine had been sunk in mid-December 1944 within the British minefield known as 'HX A1' off the coast of Cornwall.
The 2006 Discovery
The mystery was finally resolved in 2006 through the work of nautical archaeologist Innes McCartney and historian Axel Niestle. They identified the wreck of U-400 approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Padstow, Cornwall, at the coordinates 50°39.9′N 5°5′W.
The discovery revealed that U-400 was not alone; it lay close to the wrecks of two other submarines, U-325 and U-1021. Evidence confirmed that all three vessels were sunk in the Bristol Channel by a deep-trap minefield, a specialized naval defense designed to catch submarines at greater depths.
This discovery also corrected the historical record regarding HMS Nyasaland; it is now believed that the submarine sunk by that frigate was actually U-772.
Key Facts
- Operational Unit: 11th U-boat Flotilla.
- First Patrol: Departed Horten, Norway, on November 15, 1944.
- Actual Cause of Loss: Deep-trap minefield in the Bristol Channel.
- Discovery Date: 2006.
- Location: 10 miles northwest of Padstow, Cornwall.
- Associated Wrecks: U-325 and U-1021.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure Base | Horten Naval Base, Norway |
| Date of Disappearance | Listed missing January 1945 |
| Initial Allied Theory | Sunk by HMS Nyasaland (Dec 17, 1944) |
| Confirmed Fate | Sunk by minefield 'HX A1' |
| Final Coordinates | 50.6650°N 5.083°W |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did U-400 begin its first war patrol?
U-400 sailed from the Horten Naval Base in Norway on November 15, 1944.
Where was the wreck of U-400 eventually found?
The wreck was identified in 2006 about 10 miles northwest of Padstow, Cornwall, in the Bristol Channel.
What actually caused the sinking of U-400?
While previously attributed to a depth charge attack, it was later confirmed that U-400 was sunk by a deep-trap minefield.
Which other U-boats were found near U-400?
The wrecks of U-325 and U-1021 were found in close proximity to U-400.
Which submarine was actually sunk by HMS Nyasaland?
Current evidence suggests that the submarine sunk by HMS Nyasaland was U-772, not U-400.